Booking choice: The Ruakuri Cave walk, from $67 per person. Check dates Tour details
The air changes as soon as you step through the cave door: cooler, damp, still. Floors are wet in places, handrails are cold, and in Ruakuri you'll duck under a low ceiling at one point. None of it is hard. You just want the right shoes on and a jacket you're happy to keep zipped.
Photos are the other question everyone asks. The answer depends on which cave you're in, so this guide goes tour by tour, using the operators' own FAQs and the GetYourGuide listings.
The quick answer
No photos or video are allowed inside the Waitomo Glowworm Cave. In Ruakuri Cave you can take photos in selected areas (no tripods or selfie sticks), Aranui Cave allows photos, and on black water rafting the guides take photos you can buy. The caves stay at 16 to 17°C all year, so wear shoes with a non-slip grip and a warm jacket; for black water rafting bring swimwear and a towel.
Can you take pictures in Waitomo Glowworm Caves?
No. Discover Waitomo does not permit photography or video inside the Waitomo Glowworm Cave, and the listing says cameras and GoPros can't be taken on the tour at all.
This is the one strict cave. What it means in practice:
- Cameras stay behind. The Glowworm Cave boat tour listing bans cameras, flash, video and photography inside. Leave the camera in the car or a pocket that stays shut.
- Phones count too. The ban covers photography and video of any kind, so the phone stays in your pocket. On the boat a lit screen would be the only light in the Grotto.
- Souvenir photos. Discover Waitomo sells Glowworm Cave photos after the tour, and the listing notes they are not included in the ticket.
Why so strict? Light and disturbance affect the glowworms, and the cave is managed closely to protect them; our glowworms guide explains the science. Honestly, it helps: 45 minutes without a screen, and you watch the ceiling instead of filming it.
Can you take photos in the other Waitomo Caves?
Yes. Discover Waitomo allows photos and video in selected areas of Ruakuri Cave and in Aranui Cave. Ruakuri bans tripods and extension sticks on regular tours.
If photos matter to you, Ruakuri is the cave to book:
- Ruakuri Cave: photography is encouraged in some areas; listen to your guide and respect the no-photo zones. Camera gear must be compact and contained, with no tripods or other accessories without staff approval. The official FAQ even says you can grab a selfie with the glowworms.
- Ruakuri Cave Photography Tour: a separate boutique tour run by Discover Waitomo, where a cave guide helps you shoot the spiral, the Drum Passage, The Pretties, the Ghost Walk and the glowworms. Bring your own camera, tripod and headlamp.
- Aranui Cave: photos allowed, and the pale pink and white formations are lit and close to the boardwalks. Remember Aranui has no glowworms.
For the glowworms, turn the flash off, use your phone's night mode and brace the phone on the handrail rather than holding it at arm's length. Long exposures need stillness, not more light.
Angelica, on the Aranui Cave tour (January 2026): "The place was magical. [...] he was very helpful and helped us take some of our family photos. We did not feel rushed and the group of 10 was just great."
The cave for photos: glowworms up close, a spiral entrance and formations, with photos allowed in selected areas.
Explore the Ruakuri Cave walk Tour detailsCan you take a camera on black water rafting and the adventure caves?
Not on black water rafting: The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co. doesn't allow cameras or GoPros, and the guides take photos you can buy afterwards. The private-farm caves are more relaxed.
The rule on each adventure tour, from the operators and listings:
- Black Labyrinth and Black Abyss: no cameras or GoPros, for safety reasons. Your guide takes photos and you can buy them after the tour.
- Off the Beaten Track: phones and small cameras are welcome, and the guide takes complimentary photos that are sent to you afterwards. Professional cameras and tripods are not allowed.
- The Okohua cave: photos and videos are included in the price.
- The Spellbound tour: "Camera" is on the what-to-bring list. The operator calls its caves camera friendly, with fixed stations for longer exposures, and bans tripods as a tripping hazard in the dark.
Ivy, on Black Labyrinth (October 2026): "We were jumping in caves, riding tubes around, and climbing about. [...] you get a media package to purchase at the end!!" And Zane, on Okohua (October 2026): "Christina was an amazing guide! She helped us through the whole thing, made us all feel included, and took a bunch of photos for us."
A real caving trip on a family farm, eight guests at most, phones welcome and the guide's photos free.
Check dates for the Off the Beaten Track caveHow cold are the Waitomo Caves?
Cool, not cold: Discover Waitomo gives 16 to 17°C inside the caves all year round. Ruakuri's safety page says around 15°C and damp, with water dripping from the ceiling at times.
The temperature barely moves with the seasons, which changes how you dress:
- In summer the caves feel chilly after the car park. Bring the jacket even on a hot day.
- In winter they can feel mild. The Department of Conservation says Waitomo evenings are crisp and suggests a jersey.
- On the boat you sit still for a few minutes in damp air. That's when people zip up.
- In the water it's a different story. On black water rafting you're in an underground river, which is why the operator gives you a wetsuit.
What to wear to glowworm caves?
Comfortable walking shoes with a non-slip grip and a warm jacket, Discover Waitomo's own answer for the Glowworm Cave, Ruakuri and Aranui. Leave the backpack in the car for Ruakuri.
For the three show caves:
- Shoes with grip. Walkways are good, but wet in places. Trainers or walking shoes, not sandals or heels.
- A warm layer. A fleece or light jacket for 16 to 17°C. A rain jacket helps on the walk from the car park, since Waitomo is green for a reason.
- Nothing bulky on your back. Backpacks are not permitted in Ruakuri without staff approval, and neither are child carriers worn on the back. Front carriers and pushchairs are fine.
- A hat that can come off. At its lowest point Ruakuri's ceiling is about 130 cm high, so everyone bends for a short stretch.
The Ruakuri walk covers over 1 km, with a descent and climb of around 50 metres at a slow pace. Amanda, October 2026: "The experience was magical well worth doing and the access is very accessible. Once inside you need to bend in places or you'd bang your head."
Shoes with grip, a warm jacket and 45 minutes: the Glowworm Cave boat tour asks for nothing more.
Check dates for the Glowworm Cave boat tourWhat to wear for black water rafting at Waitomo?
Swimwear under your clothes and a towel. The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co. supplies the wetsuit, socks, shoes, helmet, light and tube, and has hot showers and lockers.
Each adventure tour kits you out a little differently:
- Black Labyrinth and Black Abyss: bring swimwear and a towel. Towels are not supplied, though the retail store sells them if you forget. Separate changing rooms, hot showers and lockers are on site at 585 Waitomo Caves Road.
- Okohua: bring swimwear, a towel and socks. Tubes, wetsuits, boots and helmets are provided, and the cedar hot tub waits at the end.
- Off the Beaten Track: all clothing and boots are provided, with showers and dry clothes back at the office.
- The zipline park: above ground, so just weather-appropriate clothes and closed-toe shoes.
Wear something easy to change out of, and bring a warm top for afterwards. Colleen, on Off the Beaten Track (March 2026): "really really enjoyed our tour. [...] Clothing kept us nice and warm! Well well worth the money/time."
Float Ruakuri Cave's underground river on a tube under the glowworms, wetsuit and hot shower included.
Explore Black Labyrinth Tour detailsAre the Waitomo Caves wheelchair accessible?
Ruakuri Cave is: Discover Waitomo says it is fully accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs up to 65 cm wide. The Glowworm Cave and Aranui Cave are not suitable for wheelchair users.
Access cave by cave:
- Ruakuri Cave: wheelchairs and pushchairs welcome up to 65 cm wide and 130 cm high, on walkways no steeper than 1:10. The spiral entrance was built for it.
- Waitomo Glowworm Cave: fine with reasonable mobility thanks to good handrails and paths, but no wheelchair access. Life jackets are compulsory for under-5s on the boat, unless an infant stays in a secure front pack.
- Aranui Cave: boardwalks, but not suitable for wheelchair users.
- Spellbound: up to 40 minutes of walking at a time with no stairs inside, a 40 cm step into the van and the boat, and no wheelchairs or walking frames.
What should you bring on each Waitomo tour?
Shoes with grip and a jacket for every show cave; swimwear and a towel for the tubing trips. Cameras are out in the Glowworm Cave and on black water rafting, and welcome elsewhere.
Photo rules and packing per tour, from the operators and listings:
| Tour | Photos | Bring | Provided |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glowworm Cave boat tour | No cameras, phones or video | Shoes with grip, warm jacket | Guide, boat ride |
| Ruakuri Cave | Yes, selected areas; no tripods | Walking shoes, jacket; no backpack | Guide, wheelchair access |
| Aranui Cave | Yes | Walking shoes, jacket | Guide, boardwalks |
| Black Labyrinth | No; guides' photos for sale | Swimwear, towel | Wetsuit, boots, helmet, tube, showers |
| Black Abyss | No; guides' photos for sale | Swimwear, towel | Full kit, soup, showers |
| Off the Beaten Track | Phones and small cameras; free guide photos | Nothing special | All clothing and boots, showers |
| Okohua cave | Photos and videos included | Swimwear, towel, socks | Wetsuit, boots, helmet, tube, hot tub |
| Spellbound tour | Yes; camera on the list | Shoes, warm clothing, camera | Pickup, snacks, tea and coffee |
Every tour here cancels free up to 24 hours before. Still choosing a cave? Our cave comparison helps, and the Auckland day trip guide covers getting there.
Frequently asked questions
Can you use your phone in the Waitomo Glowworm Cave?
No. Discover Waitomo does not permit photography or video inside the Waitomo Glowworm Cave, so keep the phone in your pocket on the boat. Phones are fine in selected areas of Ruakuri Cave.
Do I need a jacket in the Waitomo Caves in summer?
Yes. The caves stay at 16 to 17°C all year, per Discover Waitomo, so a warm jacket is on its packing list in every season.
How long is the walk through Ruakuri Cave?
Over 1 km at a slow pace, with a descent and climb of around 50 metres. The tour takes about 1.5 hours, and Discover Waitomo suggests allowing 2.
What do I need for black water rafting in Waitomo?
Swimwear and a towel. The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co. provides the wetsuit, socks, shoes, helmet, light and tube, plus hot showers.
Ready to book
Choose your cave
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on every option. Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.
Ruakuri Cave Glowworm Walking Tour
- 90-minute guided walk
- Glowworms and formations
- Entry fees
Aranui Cave Guided Tour
The quietest cave: pink and white formations, photos allowed
Off the Beaten Track Glowworm Cave Tour
A real caving trip on a family farm, eight guests at most
